Thursday, January 13, 2011

Barn Search (#2)

I called the owner/manager/proprietor (not sure which) of a barn for which I saw an ad on CraigsList. This wasn't my first choice because I think its a bit far away (I don't yet have the physical address, so I really have no clue as to exact time of travel). But, barn #1 didn't really pan out, so I assume I should expand the search a bit. It can't hurt to look and since I'm not in a huge rush to move Granite, its worth a shot.
I actually called the woman (which is shocking because I HATE to use the phone). I was pleasantly surprised that she knew my name (I guess she saved my number after our initial email correspondence). She had also mapquested the mileage from my place of employment to her barn (11 miles she says). She asked me some questions about what I was looking for and told me some info about what she had (15 acre pasture board pasture with a sturdy run-in and round bale 24/7. 3 acres of the pasture is pine trees, the rest is grassy. she also mentioned the fencing is 6 strands of hot wire....). She sounded articulate, knowledgeable and kind. So, perhaps my hopes are up a little too high.

Check it out and give me your opinions. These barns are often severely misrepresented so its almost fun to guess what I will ACTUALLY find :)

11 comments:

The barn in the advertisement sounds nice, but I can't figure out what that girl in the 1st picture is doing? She's sitting in a chair, in an arena, dressed in her show clothes and covered in ribbons. I get that she's trying to show off her winnings, but what is she, her ribbons and her chair doing in the show arena? Hmmm...

Anyway, I hope you're able to find something suitable near your home/job...it sounds like barn hunting is kind of frustrating.

Sounds nice, I always wonder what the back story is when you see things like "under new management" Did the old management have a reputation? :) Also it would be nice to know more about the trainers on site wouldn't it? I guess that is what you have to go see for yourself I guess :) Also not a single helmet... why people why?

Haha... yeah, I would like to see some pictures of the facility. They are clearly "quarter horse people". No helmets. Lots of ribbon draping (usually the whole family, pets included, would be pictured as well).But my pickings are slim and its all worth a shot...I will never find anything like my barn... if only they would install lights in the ring (my car's headlights perhaps).

I would certainly check it out... it sounds nice and the board prices are also pretty good. It even has an indoor arena! *drool* Here in the Raleigh area I'm paying $300 for pasture board and no indoor arenas.

Regarding the chair picture, I assume she had a really good day at the show and won the chair, then draped all her winnings on top of it, and posed with her horse. It's good advertising for your training business for sure.

*Meet the Cast*

These "tails" began when a Grad Student bought a Yearling in January of 2009. They have continued to chronicle all of the milestones that have occurred since. Sometimes I rant, sometimes I brag, oftentimes I stress. But, I am always grateful to have the opportunity to own such an amazing creature. Please join Granite and I on our journey as we attempt to go from Grad Student and Baby Horse to Career Woman and Hunter Horse.

Graf Granite

A 17hh, grey, Appendix/ Hanoverian gelding.

Granite's Beginning...

Granite was foaled in April of 2007 at Winding Ridge Farm in Zebulon, NC out of Gairwin and by Skipa Lucky Spring.

Granite's Sister

My aussie/hound mix, Daphne. She is a Horrible dog but a great barn-buddy.

Granite's Aunt

My Best Friend and riding buddy (since 5th grade)! She owns two Morgans and dominates in everything from X-Country to laid back trail riding.

Granite's Cousin

My Best Friend's Morgan Sport Horse, Reno, Joined the family in April 2010.

Granite's Daddy

My handsome and tolerant husband, "TK"

Granite's Di-Aunt

Dianne is my "riding sponsor" she is the one who convinced me to buy a baby horse while in grad school-- yea brilliant idea!